Asda: “We’re still keen on Derry’

Brendan McDaid

Asda bosses have confirmed to the Journal that they are still keen on opening a store in Derry.

The company said that they are currently carrying out a review of the best way forward and looking at options to find “the best way to deliver an Asda store in the city”.

The statement comes after years of speculation over Asda’s plans for a store in the city, following the popularity of the company’s Strabane store.

However as of yesterday, a spokeswoman for Asda was not in a position to reveal any details of a preferred site in Derry or to give a time-frame as to when they hoped to have a store opened in the city.

The Asda company spokeswoman said: “Asda remains keen to bring a new store to Derry~Londonderry.

“We are currently reviewing our plans to find the best way to deliver an Asda store in the city.”

Asda has been linked to numerous sites across Derry including a supermarket development at the current Homebase store.

Planning permission for such a store was granted back in 2012, and over 300 jobs were expected to be created, but there has been no development on site.

The supermarket giant has been linked to the Arntz site at Pennyburn Pass, for which new plans have been submitted including provision for a major food store.

Sites at Northside Shopping Village, Buncrana Road, and the North West One development at Crescent Link have also been cited as possible locations.

There were even Facebook pages set up calling for Asda to come to Derry in the past.

Local DUP Councillor David Ramsey earlier today said he is going to seek a meeting with the company over its plans.